I think it is slightly depressing that this began as an experiment in 2007 and here we are about to start 2016 and this still exists and people still read it. At the same time, it is also exciting. I committed to a group of friends to do this so that they could keep track of my journey through officership. I have kept that commitment.
Through seasons I have used this to chart different things in my life in my walk with God, in my personal wellness, and in the comings and goings of life.
2015 has been a bittersweet year. Sadly, probably more bitter than sweet. There was disappointment on several different fronts. There was shock. There was sadness.
And there was a new baby brought into our lives. Our youngest. Had he been born first, he would be our only child... It took eight months to figure out that the poor kid is allergic to eggs and is a HOMEBODY. Benjamin doesn't like to sleep anywhere except his crib which can, at times, be quite frustrating as it parks me at home a lot, but has also been a blessing. I need to be at home. This season in my life will never come again. I am learning to embrace it and enjoy the quietness that comes when Benjamin is napping and the dishwasher is humming away. Thankfully most of my work can be done via laptop and I have found that setting up office at our kitchen table is much more productive than the distractions of being an extrovert in the office.
A professor friend of mine here in town, whom I admire and consider to be wise and balanced, told me several months ago that she never makes resolutions for what she is going to add or do in the new year. Instead, she spends time reflecting and generates a list of what she is going to cut out each year. I've seen some people do this and give up things like "complaining" (which--being quite transparent and vulnerable--I probably could NOT do--ha!) and "people pleasing." Hers is different. She makes a list of 5-7 physical, practical things that she is going to give up and then she does it. Every year. She's done it for about ten years and says that she enjoys life so much now because she has a lot more control over her time and what she's doing (she's an extremely busy lady professionally). For example, she decided a few years ago that she doesn't like cleaning her house. So she put that on her "Do not do" list and hired someone to do it. While I don't have that luxury, she does and doesn't regret it. Now she can spend time leisurely reading where she once was cleaning her house.
So I've been reflecting for the past several weeks over this past year and over what I picture 2016 to look like. I know it is going to be a better year as I can sense in my Spirit that God is moving in my heart and has been pushing me to rely on Him more and not my own grit. God is in control. He has already written the pages for this year. I just want to be a part of His story. I have no "do not do" list. What I do have, I reflect upon here and challenge those of you who have made the same covenant to make it real for 2016:
MY COVENANT
CALLED BY GOD to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as an officer of The Salvation Army I BIND MYSELF TO HIM IN THIS SOLEMN COVENANT | |||
 | to love and serve him supremely all my days, to live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of my life, to care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unlovable, and befriend those who have no friends, to maintain the doctrines and principles of The Salvation Army, and, by God's grace to prove myself a worthy officer. | ||
In God's grace, it can be done. Happy New Year.
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